99 NEWS HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY, 10/11/11

SUNY CANTON FACULTY ASSEMBLY HEAD EXPLAINS WORDING OF PRESS RELEASE--The body representing teaching faculty, vice-presidents, deans, and professional staff at the college voted last week to oppose the proposed installation of Potsdam campus President John Schwaller or any other person to the post of SUNY Canton President without input from the campus community and stakeholder groups, and to support legislation by State Senator Patty Ritchie that would require each campus have its own President. The press release announcing the vote Friday began with "SUNY CANTON FACULTY ASSEMBLY VOTES TO BLOCK SHARED PRESIDENCY....". Presiding Officer Dr. Charles Fenner told 99 News the reason why the term "block" was used is because maintaning the identity of the college is important, and that can only be accomplished with its own President. Also, Fenner says the fact that foundation-alumni giving has been threatened if the campus leaderships are combined needs to be considered. Fenner says the Assembly is not opposed to working together with SUNY Central in finding cost savings, but to consolidate the campus leaderships without say in the matter is unconscionable. Fenner also told us the vote last week speaks to the possibility of SUNY Central "running out the clock" on the employment deal of current President Joseph Kennedy. Kennedy has a deal where he will serve the campus until the end of the current year, then work for Central, then a third "study year" or a return to faculty. Fenner says that gives Chancellor Nancy Zimpher the opportunity to replace Kennedy with an interim, and combine the presidencies.